Americas: Second anti-gentrification protest held in Mexico
Sectors: all
Key Risks: civil unrest; looting; vandalism
In Mexico, on 20 July around 100 protesters marched against gentrification and the rising cost of living in Mexico City. This came after on 4 July mass protests, including looting of at least dozen stores, erupted in various working-class neighborhoods in Mexico City, with thousands demanding affordable housing and denouncing displacement that has been blamed on the influx of expats and tourists from Europe and the US as well as on real estate speculation ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. On 17 July the government announced a 14-point plan to regulate rental prices and short-term rental properties, balance rights and obligations of landlords and tenants and set up an agency to enforce the rent law and penalise offenders. As further anti-gentrification protests are likely, the risk of vandalism to businesses along protest routes will be heightened.
Click here to access Mexico’s Global Intake country profile.
Asia Pacific: Japan’s ruling coalition loses parliamentary majority in Upper House election
Sectors: all
Key Risks: political stability; political uncertainty; governability
In Japan, on 21 July the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-Komeito coalition failed to secure a majority in the elections for the Upper House of parliament. The coalition secured only 47 seats in the 248-seat Upper House – with 39 won by the LDP alone – three short of the 50 needed to reach a majority. The results mark a net loss of 19 seats to opposition parties, signalling that the coalition is now a minority in both houses of parliament. Conservative opposition parties such as the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito party made notable gains, winning 17 and 14 seats, up from four and one seat, respectively. As Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has ruled out resigning, the coalition is likely to expand its mandate by making concessions to smaller parties in the short term.
Click here to access Japan’s Global Intake country profile.
Eurasia: Ukraine, US launch negotiations over drone deal after appointment of new Prime Minister
Sectors: all
Key Risks: war on land; economic and business; political stability
In Ukraine, on 18 July new Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that Kyiv and Washington were in detailed talks on a deal for US investment in Kyiv’s drone production. The deal would include major US purchases of Ukrainian-made battlefield-tested drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing weapons from the US. The announcement followed a government reshuffle on 18 July in which Svyrydenko replaced former prime minister Denis Shmyhal, who will take the role of defence minister. Svyrydenko’s appointment appears aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ties with Washington, with the new PM previously leading negotiations over the US-Ukraine minerals deal. There are also reports that Svyrydenko is close to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisor Andriy Yermak, indicating that her appointment also aims to further consolidate Zelensky’s position. Further talks on the drone deal are likely amid Kyiv’s push to improve relations with US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Click here to access Ukraine’s Global Intake country profile.
Europe: Czechia and UK sign deal to strengthen nuclear ties, build up to ten SMRs
Sectors: energy
Key Risks: business risks
On 16 July the UK and Czechia signed a nuclear memorandum to increase cooperation in nuclear energy, including the development of small nuclear reactors (SMRs). The memorandum followed the October 2024 agreement between Czech energy company CEZ and UK’s Rolls-Royce under which CEZ will purchase a 20 per cent minority stake in Rolls-Royce SMR projects. The first modular reactor would be built at the site of a nuclear power plant in Temelin, Jizni Cechy, and should be completed in the mid-2030s. On 17 July CEZ and Rolls-Royce signed an agreement to begin preparatory works for the project. CEZ plans to build up to ten modular reactors with a combined output of 3 GW by 2050. The memorandum will cement the relationship amid Prague’s efforts to expand its nuclear sector and capitalise on its nuclear expertise among eastern European countries.
Click here to access Czechia’s and here to access the UK’s Global Intake country profiles.
MENA: Three killed, one injured in Egypt’s Giza raid linked to foiled Hasm attack plot
Sectors: all
Key risks: targeted attacks; violent clashes; terrorism; political violence
In Egypt, on 20 July two Hasm militants and one civilian were killed, and a police officer was injured, during a raid in Boulaq el-Dakrour, Giza city. The Interior Ministry stated the suspects, allegedly affiliated with the banned Muslim Brotherhood, had planned attacks targeting security and economic sites. The operation followed the circulation of a July video showing Hasm militants conducting live drills in a desert location, highlighting the group’s operational capabilities. The raid points to a potential resurgence of Hasm’s urban militant activity after a prolonged pause. Authorities are likely to expand surveillance and counterterrorism operations in Cairo and across provinces, including North Sinai and along desert highways. Hasm’s reactivation could test the state’s capacity to suppress low-intensity urban militancy, particularly if the group regains recruitment and funding channels.
Click here to access Egypt’s Global Intake country profile.
Sub-Saharan Africa: DRC and M23 sign agreement, commit to ceasefire by 18 August
Sectors: all
Key risks: civil war; political violence; violent clashes
On 17 July the DRC and Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group signed a principal agreement mediated by Qatar. The agreement includes a permanent ceasefire between the two parties and a commitment to protect civilians in the east of the country. The agreement also laid out a framework towards a permanent security and political agreement to be reached by 18 August. This followed a ceasefire agreement signed by Rwanda and the DRC on 27 June, which stipulated the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC. However, a pro-government militia – known as Wazalendo – rejected any political settlement with M23 in May and have continued to clash with M23 in North and South Kivu provinces. Lingering political disagreement between Kinshasa and M23 and likely clashes in the east will hamper efforts to reach a permanent agreement by the set deadline on 18 August.
Click here to access DRC’s Global Intake profile.
